Scenes from what might be the final Sacramento Kings game ever (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Scenes-from-what-might-be-the-final-Sacramento-K?urn=nba-wp1345)

By Dan Devine (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie?author=Dan+Devine)
"A lot of emotions flying around out there, and I'm not poetic enough to come near capturing them. I'll just say that we felt the love of Sacramento. I was very proud of our team ... very proud of the progress we've made this year. I'm really sorry the season is over."

I don't have the words to express what Wednesday night, and what this whole Anaheim relocation saga, has been like for Kings fans in Sacramento. I'm a native New Yorker and I've never watched one of my favorite teams play a game with the knowledge that it could be the last time I ever get to see them as mine. I don't know what that feels like; it would be disingenuous to suggest otherwise.

My father was a Brooklyn Dodgers fan who grew up taking the trolley to Ebbets Field and never stopped beaming whenever he got to bring up the time he shook Gil Hodges' hand. When the Dodgers went west, as he'd tell it, a piece of him shut down. He'd grown up a baseball-mad kid in the 1930s; what the hell was he supposed to do as a 20-something after Dem Bums pulled up stakes? Keep rooting for the guys who just ditched him to head for warmer climes? That seemed just as unthinkable as cheering for the crosstown Giants or, even worse, the Yankees.

No, he just basically resigned himself to not liking baseball — one of, like, six things that almost uniformly electrified young American men in the 1950s — and sat in wait. After five years, the baseball gods dropped the Mets in his lap. (These, apparently, were cruel trickster gods, like Loki.) Their caps were blue and they played in the National League, so he decided to try to warm to them; eventually, they joined the Knicks, Giants and Rangers as the sports teams on the family crest.

But it was never the same, and he never pretended it was. He wore a Dodger cap with a white B on the front of it, he hung pictures of Gil and Pee-Wee and the boys on the basement walls, and he never really got over it. Not that I can remember, at least.

I don't have words for what Kings fans went through Wednesday night, but SB Nation's Tom Ziller does (http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2011/4/14/2110637/sacramento-kings-relocation-los-angeles-lakers-anaheim). (When it comes to the Kings, and most everything else about the NBA, Ziller always does.) On our side of the fence, Marc J. Spears has a few damned good ones of his own (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=mc-spears_kings_last_game_in_sacramento_041411). Read them and get a sense of what Wednesday night felt like. After the jump, you can get a sense of what it looked like.

But before we get there: If Wednesday night was the last time, I'm sorry for your loss, Sacramento, and I think there are a lot of fans in a lot of other places who share the sentiment.

This is why I really don't give a **** that we made the playoffs with a losing record, at least we're there. Talk about having your sports soul ripped out and tap danced on.

King Tuts Tomb

04-15-2011, 10:35 AM

Is So Ca's market big enough for 3 teams?

Yes.

It's too bad for the local fans but I'm not sure Sacramento is that strong an NBA city to begin with so it was just a matter of time before the team left.

BillS

04-15-2011, 10:40 AM

The sight of those fans in the stands rips my heart out.

Watch and learn, Pacer fans, it could happen here. Maybe not right away, but the Simon era is passing and the unknown lurks in the future.

Bball

04-15-2011, 12:43 PM

Yes.

It's too bad for the local fans but I'm not sure Sacramento is that strong an NBA city to begin with so it was just a matter of time before the team left.

Just a few short years ago people were saying Sacramento had the best fans in the NBA.

It's rare indeed that a city can sustain large fan interest thru down years (might replace 'interest' with 'ticket sales'... fans might stay interested but not to the point of shelling out money for tix). IMHO It's one of the reasons the NBA business model is flawed because it seems to be based on packed arenas, playoff runs, a booming economy, and taxpayer support.... for each individual team.

My gut tells me SoCal can't/won't support 3 teams.. although I'm sure there'd be an initial 'new' factor at play for a couple of years. It's probably more a stepping stone to Vegas.... IMHO...

CableKC

04-15-2011, 12:51 PM

I listen to Grant Napier on the local Kings Radio Station here in the SF Bay Area and he was a very strong advocate of keeping the Kings in SacTown. It isn't as much as SoCal needing 3 Basketball Teams as it was the reluctance of Sacramento itself for building and funding a new Arena that led to this. The Kings have been trying to get a new arena built for the last 10+ years and the City simply has dragged their feet in the matter. I've been to Arco Arena...it's a nice "throwback" arena that is super loud and all...but it's really outdated and small.

I don't like that the Kings are likely headed elsewhere...much less to a saturated SoCal market that doesn't want or need another Team....but I don't blame the Maloofs for looking elsewhere....the fans and the heart of the Kings fans was there....but both sides of the issue ( the Maloofs and the city ) just couldn't come to an agreement. Anaheim simply was the city that stepped up and offered the Maloofs what they were looking for.

It's really unfortunate...because outside of losing a very devout fanbase....the city itself is going to lose a major source of revenue.

Hicks

04-15-2011, 01:00 PM

God. Not only did Kobe hit that shot, but watching the clip right now, I hear the tons of Lakers fans in attendance cheering for the shot, too. What a sickening way to go out.

It'd be like having Conseco packed with Bulls fans during the last game ever, with Rose or whomever finishing us off late.

I'm going to have to go drop in over at KingsFans.com and offer my well wishes. This sucks.

CableKC

04-15-2011, 01:05 PM

That game was a heartbreaker too. First time I can remember yelling at an NBA game not having anything to do with the Pacers.

"**** you Kobe, **** you, you couldn't just let them have one last memory?!"
Let's be fair here....I know that it sucks for the Kings that the Lakers won....but wasn't this game for the Lakers a game that ultimately decided their Playoff seeding?

This wasn't a meaningless game for the Lakers that they could have simply thrown away like the Pacers/Magic game. Were the Playoff seedings already set by that time? I don't know if the Mavs won or lost by that point.

Basketball Fan

04-15-2011, 01:28 PM

Let's be fair here....I know that it sucks for the Kings that the Lakers won....but wasn't this game for the Lakers a game that ultimately decided their Playoff seeding?

This wasn't a meaningless game for the Lakers that they could have simply thrown away like the Pacers/Magic game. Were the Playoff seedings already set by that time? I don't know if the Mavs won or lost by that point.

The Lakers/Mavs were tied for the 2nd seed however at the time Dallas had the #2 seed because they slaughtered the Hornets and the Lakers were about to go to Portland.

Then Kobe lead the Lakers back to a victory and now the Mavs play Portland and the Lakers play the Hornets.

FWIW the Lakers/Clippers don't want the Kings there in SoCal its the Maloofs and their inability to handle finances by blowing through all that $$$ to begin with.

Roaming Gnome

04-15-2011, 01:29 PM

The sight of those fans in the stands rips my heart out.

Watch and learn, Pacer fans, it could happen here. Maybe not right away, but the Simon era is passing and the unknown lurks in the future.

Very true considering that Indiana bureaucrats passed a similar law on publicly funded buildings like the California referendum law. I guess we are very lucky to have 2 top notch professional sports venues built before such a law was passed because I don't see either building passing on a referendum.

What am I getting at....

Conseco Fieldhouse is getting close to half way through a typical arenas lifespan (25-30 years). I just don't see Indy residents wanting to pony more money for a new arena downtown if Conseco is considered long in the tooth in 10 to 15 years. Couple that with ownership that will have only owned the team less than 10 seasons... Could be a recipe for heartbreak.

I just hope that there isn't new technology/design that deems the Fieldhouse obsolete. Look at Arco Arena... It's hard to imagine that a building built in the mid 80's is considered totally obsolete for the NBA. I guess the design of the Palace of Auburn Hills with it's number of luxury boxes changed everything. I'm sure folks in Miami (Miami Arena) and Charlotte (Coliseum) would have never dreamed that a building going up in Detroit at the same time would make their arenas obsolete in a period of 10 years.

VF21

04-15-2011, 01:44 PM

Yes.

It's too bad for the local fans but I'm not sure Sacramento is that strong an NBA city to begin with so it was just a matter of time before the team left.

I will most vehemently and passionately disagree.

Just as some background? Here's something I wrote for my "home board" - Kingsfans.com

---

I don't want to say goodbye by VF21

My father was over 6'3" tall and loved sports. Add the fact he was born and raised in Indiana, and it's easy to figure out the sport he loved the most was basketball.

Since we lived outside of Sacramento in the early 60s, with only three local TV stations, there weren't many occasions to actually see a game. It didn't matter. From as far back as I can remember, we were Boston Celtics fans. It wasn't until junior high school that I finally got a chance to see basketball up close. It helped me to forge a love for the game that continues to this day. When my "little" brother grew to be almost 6'8", he played high school and college ball and there were more opportunities to see live games.

In 1985, when word got out that the Kings were coming to Sacramento, it was more than a dream come true. It was almost beyond description. My dad passed away in October of 1984, so he never had the chance to walk into Arco Arena and be part of the excitement and energy. My dad may not have been able to be there, but my brother became a frequent attendee to those first games, often taking my 10-year old daughter with him.

Rooting for the Kings became a family tradition and a way of life. It wasn't a matter of cheering for them because they were so good, because ... well ... they weren't. They made it to the playoffs in 1986 but were summarily dismissed in three games by the Houston Rockets. After that, the team struggled for years but during those struggles, the loyal fans of Sacramento showed their solid support, maintaining a streak of sellout games that would last the better part of two decades.

When I moved from Sacramento in the mid-90s, following the team was more difficult but I made sure I watched all the games on TV. I made yearly treks to Arco to make sure I could see them play at least once or twice, even if I had to sit so far up in the rafters I couldn't tell the players without binoculars.

When my daughter and son-in-law got married in Reno, they wore Webber jerseys and arranged the date around the King schedule. In fact, a lot of family activities were scheduled based on whether or not the Kings would be playing that day.

When my first grandchild was born, it was - luckily - not on a game night. Had the Kings been playing, my granddaughter might have been born at home since her mother wouldn't miss a Kings game.

After the Kings got Vlade Divac, even my mother - who had never really understood the family fascination for the game - started to be drawn in. After all, what wasn't to like about the very tall young man with the interesting accent and incredible smile? Once Mom started to watch the games, she started to know the names of the players. And then came the phone calls. "What was that stupid call?" She would ask. "What's flopping?" I had loved the game for over 40 years by then, and it was a unique experience to watch my mother develop the love for the game the rest of the family had.

The glory years were just that - years of incredible excitement and hope and passion. Starting in 1998-99, it was clear that something special was happening. When the Kings met the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs, a group of Kings fans caravaned to Salt Lake City to root on the team. The fans who couldn't make the journey made sure to welcome the team home, turning up very late at night at Sacramento Metropolitan Airport to greet the plane and cheer the team for the effort they had shown. They might not have won, but they won our hearts and souls with their spirit, fight and determination. We all prayed for the magic to continue.

Continue it did, an E Ticket ride all the way. If you were a Kings fan back then, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you weren't, nothing I can say will fully describe the feeling. The Sacramento Kings and their fans had a symbiotic relationship that led to the years of ARCO THUNDER, when visiting teams knew they'd be facing more than just 5 players on the court. (Hence the sixthman jersey in the rafters.)

Living almost two hours away from Arco, I still found ways to get to games. As exciting as Arco was during the season, the atmosphere during the playoffs was beyond description. You could almost see the electricity in the air. If you had any voice left after the game, you were almost embarrassed. The fans and the team had formed a bond...the Kings were Sacramento and Sacramento was the Kings.

The Western Conference finals of 2002 went to overtime in game 7. You cannot get much more drama out of a sport than that. Although the final outcome didn't go our way, we finally knew for sure that our team was able to compete at the top level. We looked forward to the next year with hope and confidence. We were headed in the right direction, right up until that night in Dallas when Chris Webber crumbled to the floor and didn't get up. Although the team took the series to 7 games, the Mavericks won and continued on to face the Spurs in the Western Conference finals. Kings fans were faced with the second trauma to befall them in a post-season as the true extent of Webber's injury became known.

In 2004 the Kings still found a way into the playoffs, as they did in 2005 and 2006. But by then, it wasn't the same. There were controversies, poor personnel decisions and high ticket prices for a product that was far below what it had been just a couple of years before. I continued to love this team and had faith that they would get back on the right track.

A couple of bad coaches added into the mix didn't help sell tickets. In addition, the relationship between the team and the fans just wasn't the same. Part of this, I believed, was because the moral compass of the team had gone askew. But, through it all, I was still a fan.

For years the Maloofs had tried to get a new arena built, both for the Kings and Monarchs, and for the city of Sacramento. Unfortunately, what could have been a decent deal for everyone concerned was shot down by slanted press, politicians and a total lack of real community support.

Last year, things for the team started to turn around. Tyreke Evans earned rookie of the year honors. He and Omri Casspi both ended up playing in the rookie-sophomore contest at the All-Star Game, with Evans garnering MVP. This year, Demarcus Cousins also performed quite admirably at the rookie game, coming in second in MVP voting to John Wall. Fans were starting to return to the fold. The future of the team was looking good.

When Maloof Sports lowered ticket prices and made a more concerted effort to interact with the fans, you could sense the reconnection between the community and the Kings. Games weren't sellouts but there were more times when the electricity was back.

Through all of this, the arena issue was hanging over our heads like the sword of Damacles. And with the economy in dire straits, a new arena seemed less likely. The election of Kevin Johnson as Mayor of Sacramento helped, as he was very pro-active in trying to help get a deal to benefit the city of Sacramento and its citizens, while still providing a new venue for the Kings.

Now, it may all be for naught. The Kings may play their final game in Sacramento in a little over a month and move to Anaheim. It's all horribly unfair and it hurts like hell to even think about.

I stood in line for hours once upon a time to get player bobbleheads from Carl's Jr. My most cherished one, though, came as a gift from a member of Kingsfans.com - it's Vlade Divac, complete with autograph. It stands on a shelf next to my Evans Rookie of the Year bobblehead. I look at the jerseys of Kevin Martin, Doug Christie, Mike Bibby and Omri Casspi, and don't even want to think of packing them away. Framed photos of Vlade and Webber adorn my wall, along with a picture of the Fast Break Kids (Vlade, Mike, Peja, Chris, Doug and
Bobby) as little kids in Kings uniforms with images of their adult counterparts in front of them. A gift from a dear friend, it is so much more than just a picture. Just looking at it reminds me of the promise of that team, of those players, and it's tough to hold back a tear or two.

There are Kings banners, Kings beads, a Kings yield sign, a couple of signed pennants (with names like Wayman Tisdale, Lionel Simmons, Bobby Hurley, Corliss Williamson and Mitch Richmond) that share another wall with a new pennant of Omri Casspi. There are Kings gloves, a Kings watchcap, Kings scarf, and Kings baseball cap. There's a Bobby Jackson stuffed toy, next to a furry Slamson with a purple jersey, a Vlade Divac beanie baby bear, miscellaneous purple animals with various opening night pins adorning them, and a Peja nesting doll.

There's a plastic Kings clapper/megaphone, sitting right next to my purple cowbell. There are Kings glasses in the kitchen, along with miniature Kings jerseys that serve as bottle coolers for tall beer bottles. There's the Sports Illustrated cover, and there are autographed programs celebrating Kevin Martin's first game at Arco and his first playoff game. There are programs and ticket stubs from every game I attended in the past 10 years. There are, somewhere, the bobbleheads of players past, except for the Hedo one I sent to a Turkish fan going to college in New York (I wonder if he still has it) and the Bibby bobblehead who found its way to a young Kings fan living in Southern California. There's even a voodoo doll made from a empty toilet paper roll. This one has a Laker jersey on, but I also had them for the Mavericks, the Spurs, the Jazz and virtually any other team the Kings faced in the playoffs over the years. I got pretty good at making them, if I do say so myself.

I have a Kings throw blanket on my bed, along with a Kings pillow. I have Kings sweatshirts, Kings t-shirts and Kings socks. My return address labels feature the Kings primary logo on them. I drink my coffee from a beautiful Kings ceramic mug I received as a gift and I have a wonderful glass mug with Kingsfans.com and Vladefan21 on the side, a prize I won in the annual KF prediction game a few years back.

My two granddaughters attended their first Kings game last season, after watching on TV their whole lives. They too sport Kings merchandise, starting with Kings onesies and bibs and continuing up to the present with Kings cheerleading outfits. They attended opening night this season and it was clear they have purple in their blood.

It had already been decided that the family would attend opening night next year and games during the season whenever the weather, scheduling and finances permit. Now, all of this is coming to an end? It just doesn't seem fair.

I am Vladefan21; I am a Kings fan. The Sacramento Kings are truly a family tradition. Being a Kings fan has afforded me the opportunity to forge lasting friendships that would never have come to be without the presence of the Sacramento Kings.

You shouldn't have to say goodbye to something that's been so important in your life. Losing someone to death is different. As much as it may hurt, you know it's inevitable. Losing such an integral part of life shouldn't be reduced to dollars and cents. The Kings aren't just an NBA team. They are the SACRAMENTO KINGS. We, the fans who have supported them for 26 years, are as much their owners as are the people who actually own the franchise. At least, that's how I see it.

I do not want to lose my Kings. It will be like losing a part of myself in more ways than I can possibly express.

If the dye is not cast, I hope and pray there is still a way to keep the Kings in Sacramento. I will be going to another Kings game and I will savor the moments as much as I have all those in the past. I will pray that this won't be one of the last times I have the opportunity to do so. I will cherish the memories of the past 26 years and keep the faith until the bitter end that those memories will be joined by more.

Once, now and forever...GO KINGS! I love this team.

BillS

04-15-2011, 01:59 PM

Very true considering that Indiana bureaucrats passed a similar law on publicly funded buildings like the California referendum law. I guess we are very lucky to have 2 top notch professional sports venues built before such a law was passed because I don't see either building passing on a referendum.

What am I getting at....

Conseco Fieldhouse is getting close to half way through a typical arenas lifespan (25-30 years). I just don't see Indy residents wanting to pony more money for a new arena downtown if Conseco is considered long in the tooth in 10 to 15 years. Couple that with ownership that will have only owned the team less than 10 seasons... Could be a recipe for heartbreak.

I just hope that there isn't new technology/design that deems the Fieldhouse obsolete. Look at Arco Arena... It's hard to imagine that a building built in the mid 80's is considered totally obsolete for the NBA. I guess the design of the Palace of Auburn Hills with it's number of luxury boxes changed everything. I'm sure folks in Miami (Miami Arena) and Charlotte (Coliseum) would have never dreamed that a building going up in Detroit at the same time would make their arenas obsolete in a period of 10 years.

I may not be remembering correctly, but didn't they squeak out a new center scoreboard and a networking upgrade from the CIB agreement? If so, those are the only things on the horizon right now - the HD camera placement is good, I'm not sure if 3D requires more or different circumstances.

What would it take for a bunch of Pacer fans who are professionals in appropriate fields to get together and begin to make fan-oriented (and taxpayer-oriented) plans for that inevitable day? No one is as invested in the Pacers as the fans, and having some kind of counter-proposal to make if and when the battles start would mean we at least have some say in our own destiny.

Roaming Gnome

04-15-2011, 02:05 PM

VF21, I'm so sorry to hear what you and the rest of the Kings Fans are going through. I do remember how vehemently that team was supported with sell outs during the Reggie Theus years followed by the Mitch Richmond years. Years of consistent losing.

Is there any hail Mary plays from Sacramento to keep the Kings in town?

VF21

04-15-2011, 02:15 PM

VF21, I'm so sorry to hear what you and the rest of the Kings Fans are going through. I do remember how vehemently that team was supported with sell outs during the Reggie Theus years followed by the Mitch Richmond years. Years of consistent losing.

Is there any hail Mary plays from Sacramento to keep the Kings in town?

There just might be.

The Board of Governors just granted an extension to the Maloofs until May2 to file their relocation request. Ron Burkle is now involved, along with Chris Webber and some others.

For a complete rundown, you might want to check out Kingsfans.com - the New Arena/Relocation forum. There are two pretty in-depth threads about the BOG meeting - and what it could mean to Sacramento.

Basically, the Maloofs are now in a position where they may have to defend their position that Anaheim is more viable than Sacramento much more than they had reckoned with. Word is they're very upset that Ron Burkle is involved, to the point where one of the brothers Maloof was quoted as saying, "He (meaning Burkle) needs to go back where he came from." Which is also ironic, since Burkle - who helped save the Pittsburgh Penguins AND get a new arena built - is from Southern California.

This story has more plot twists than an Agatha Christie novel. And it ain't over yet.

Unclebuck

04-15-2011, 02:30 PM

The Kings fans are without question some of the best in the NBA. I have no idea about corporate support or fortune 500 companies, suite sales, nor do I know whether the Kings ticket prices are high or low.

When the Kings moved to Sacramento from Kansis City they immediately became some of the best fans in the NBA and continued that way even though years and years when their team was average at best.

Couple of things I always noticed as I watched a Kings game in Sacramento (up until the past couple of seasons) . Not only were the games sold out, but the fans were all in their seats when the games started and while play was going on. There were no emply seats to speak of. Meaning very few no shows and very, very few fans up walking around.

Of course the other thing I always noticed was how loud the fans were. In general I always love watching a game when the home team was into the game, to me it makes it more fun to watch and I always loved watching games from Sacramento. (Never liked watching games from LA because the fans there are lazy and spoiled)

The Kings fans were and are great. I don't know what is going on there but I hope they stay

Peck

04-15-2011, 02:41 PM

I want to say something eloquent but I just don't know how here.

That photo of the Father & Son & that phot of the man wearing the Kings jersey with tears in his eyes was about all I could take.

People who don't understand always laugh and scoff at some of us who take things like his to heart and in some ways they are right. It's just a game at the end of the day.

But to those of us who are fans, not bandwagon fans, but fans of a franchise the pain that something like this occuring is real and it is heartbreaking.

Life goes on but there is a hole there.

People, embrace your Pacers because but for the Grace of Herb Simon that could be us.

Trader Joe is spot on. Even if we get swept, even if we are beaten through the floor we still have a team to cling to, to hope for, to build with.

I honestly hope that the Kings stay in Sacramento. There are no better fans in the NBA.

Trader Joe

04-15-2011, 02:44 PM

The father and the son got to me. That is how I was exposed to basketball, to the Pacers, to a large portion of what makes me, me, was through my Dad and this sport.

It would be crushing to lose this franchise...crushing.

TMJ31

04-15-2011, 02:45 PM

What a terrible situation for Kings fans.

I remember growing up watching the Minnesota Stars hockey team (being from NW Wisconsin), and being pretty crushed when Mike Modano and crew packed up and left for Dallas of all places (Not many sports towns Wisconsinites hate more...)

It really, really sucks. And that's all that can be said.

You have my sympathies.

Deadshot

04-15-2011, 02:53 PM

I actually just watched Sonicsgate: Requiem for a Team this past week, so there have been a lot of thoughts regarding this issue in my head lately. One of the fans interviewed talked about how watching and talking about basketball was in essence how him and his father expressed their love. Reminds me a lot of my dad and I as well, so I can't imagine losing the Pacers, even though Dad is in Florida and I am in Charlotte now (we both still watch the team on League Pass). If the team isn't in Indiana its just not the same team.

Eddie Gill

04-15-2011, 02:59 PM

Watching the game the other night and seeing those pics of the fans, my heart breaks for Sacramento.

I also couldn't help but notice the growing pain in my stomach thinking about what it would be like if it happened here. I just really hope people start showing up and we don't have to worry about it (I know that's an oversimplification).

rock747

04-15-2011, 03:15 PM

Makes you contemplate your own fandom. You realize these teams are owned by corporate giants and they are looking for the best interests of themselves, even though they preach pride and tradition to the fans. There are reasons why people don't get invested in professional basketball franchises (especially in small markets) and this is one of them.

BornReady

04-15-2011, 03:15 PM

did you guys see this?
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/213086/Billionaire_Ron_Burkle_Offers_To_Purchase_Kings_Ke ep_Team_In_Sacramento
Southern California supermarket tycoon Ronald Burkle, in partnership with well-connected Sacramento lobbyist and developer Darius Anderson, emerged as last-minute potential saviors of the NBA in Sacramento.

The duo said they would lead a group that could purchase the Kings – or buy another team for the city should the Kings move to Anaheim.

A co-owner of hockey's Pittsburgh Penguins, the multibillionaire Burkle already has been rebuffed by the Maloofs on buying the team, Anderson said.

The family has vowed to hold onto the Kings and insisted Thursday that the team isn't for sale – to Burkle or anyone else.

"It does not matter – they are not going to sell the team," said Kings spokesman Troy Hanson when asked about the Burkle plan.

But with his wealth, connections and successful track record in hockey, Burkle's mere presence could persuade NBA owners to block the Kings' move to Anaheim – and effectively force the Maloofs to sell the team to him, said Lloyd Greif, a Los Angeles investment banker who is not involved in the deal but has known Burkle for years.

I don't doubt that Sacramento has really passionate fans. I only said Sacramento isn't a city with the infrastructure for an NBA team going forward and especially not without a new arena. It's been an open secret for the last decade that the Kings were moving. Is any of this untrue?

Trophy

04-15-2011, 03:22 PM

I can't imagine the emotional pain these fans are going through.

It's really unfortunate something couldn't get done to help the team stay.

I watched the end of the game and it was truly an upsetting sight.

It's also a real disappointment that 2 NBA teams had to move in the past 4 years.

I'm grateful we have the Fieldhouse which will always be a state of the art arena and support from the city of Indianapolis.

Oh, goodie. Does anyone else see this as a rather frightening harbinger of "Kings to Anaheim, Pacers to Sacramento"?

You shut your whore mouth!

Trophy

04-15-2011, 03:26 PM

The sight of those fans in the stands rips my heart out.

Watch and learn, Pacer fans, it could happen here. Maybe not right away, but the Simon era is passing and the unknown lurks in the future.

I don't worry about that at all.

This team is in the right direction.

Just going to take a year or 2 of true playoff basketball before the crowds are bigger based on what everyone is saying.

We wouldn't leave Conseco Fieldhouse. That place is going to be nice even 30 years from now.

Other than small crowds for the past few seasons, there's no reason why we'd ever leave nor are we close to that point.

BringJackBack

04-15-2011, 03:28 PM

If a new owner tried to move us than I'd pop a cap in his ***. Hell no, that's not happening.

Trophy

04-15-2011, 03:28 PM

Oh, goodie. Does anyone else see this as a rather frightening harbinger of "Kings to Anaheim, Pacers to Sacramento"?

Why are you putting us under that category?

We're not even in danger of leaving.

When Simon is ready to sell the team, he'll more than likely sell it to a local (Bird).

There were several interested buyers for the Hornets, but they wanted to move them somewhere else, but the league said no.

Teams don't leave for no reason. If someone really wants to buy the Indiana Pacers, they'll keep them here like every ownership transition.

ilive4sports

04-15-2011, 03:30 PM

Oh, goodie. Does anyone else see this as a rather frightening harbinger of "Kings to Anaheim, Pacers to Sacramento"?

I think the most likely team would be the one without an owner, the Hornets.

I still hold out some hope for the Kings to stay in Sacramento. If this relocation bill gets passed they will owe the city of Sacramento about $100 million. Plus they already owe around $70 million in loans. Anaheim is going to pay them $75 million to move, but they still would need to come up with $100 million and I don't think the Maloofs would be willing to pay.

Plus I think they will flop in Anaheim. That is Laker country. Who is going to stop being a Lakers fan to be a Royals fan? Hell the Clippers are even gaining some ground down there now. I just dont think the Royals will catch on in an area dominated by the Lakers.

I also wonder if the owners will allow the move giving so cal three teams.

BillS

04-15-2011, 03:38 PM

You shut your whore mouth!

I may be easy but I'm never cheap :D

Trophy

04-15-2011, 03:43 PM

Another thing, why of all places are they going to Anaheim that already has 2 NBA teams there. One of them being the Lakers.

I always thought San Jose would be a better destination for the Kings.

It's not as far from Sacramento as Anaheim is and the only nearest NBA team is the Warriors.

Going to Anaheim isn't going to solve anything as far as attendance goes and the Honda Center looks pretty nice, but that's almost as old as Arco Arena.

Roaming Gnome

04-15-2011, 04:02 PM

Why are you putting us under that category?

We're not even in danger of leaving.

When Simon is ready to sell the team, he'll more than likely sell it to a local (Bird).

There were several interested buyers for the Hornets, but they wanted to move them somewhere else, but the league said no.

Teams don't leave for no reason. If someone really wants to buy the Indiana Pacers, they'll keep them here like every ownership transition.

How the hell do you know that living in N. Carolina? Damn, I am an Indianapolis/Marion County tax payer and I don't know this.

You know that the CIB deal is only for 3 years, right?
You're aware that the Pacers are still a joke to many of the LOCALS here in town.
You are aware that new ownership of the team will be in play sometime during this decade?

You can't just rubber stamp new ownership just being the saints that the Simons have been the last 2 and a half decades for Indy.

With a building as nice as the Fieldhouse and still being better then 15 to 20 wins/season over this period..... We are currently last in attendance. Something in Indy isn't quite right and I hope it is just time and winning that fixes this, but to just poo-poo & turn a blind eye to what IS A POSSIBILITY seems a little disingenuous considering that you don't even live here.

Trader Joe

04-15-2011, 04:03 PM

City can only support one successful franchise at a time right now.

Once the Colts hit the toilet, the Pacers will see a bump.

Trophy

04-15-2011, 04:09 PM

How the hell do you know that living in N. Carolina? Damn, I am an Indianapolis/Marion County tax payer and I don't know this.

You know that the CIB deal is only for 3 years, right?
You're aware that the Pacers are still a joke to many of the LOCALS here in town.
You are aware that new ownership of the team will be in play sometime during this decade?

You can't just rubber stamp new ownership just being the saints that the Simons have been the last 2 and a half decades for Indy.

With a building as nice as the Fieldhouse and still being better then 15 to 20 wins/season over this period..... We are currently last in attendance. Something in Indy isn't quite right and I hope it is just time and winning that fixes this, but to just poo-poo & turn a blind eye to what IS A POSSIBILITY seems a little disingenuous considering that you don't even live here.

Oh alright.

I would think there is no reason this team would leave for somewhere that's not going to be any better than Indianapolis.

I don't think anyone else in the league would leave and it would most likely not be us.

As far as future ownership, Simon is a businessman and won't leave this team for his family once he's ready to step down as the owner. Plenty of owners buy and sell teams coming from all over and they leave the team where it is.

I'm not you know making things up just because I don't live there. I've watched this team for years and have picked up that the people in Indiana love their teams when they're winning. A filled MSA and Fieldhouse to see a team competing and making the playoffs constantly.

It's pretty much the case everywhere. I guess those in Indianapolis are more dependant on its teams more than anyone else.

We'll see what next season is going to bring because making the playoffs sure can't be any worse.

But again what do I know as far as what the case is with people there.

CableKC

04-15-2011, 04:34 PM

Oh, goodie. Does anyone else see this as a rather frightening harbinger of "Kings to Anaheim, Pacers to Sacramento"?
I will say the same thing that Grant Napier said when the question about another Team coming to Sacramento.

If the Kings couldn't get Sacramento to pony up to build a new Arena...what makes you think that the Pacers could do the same? There is no way that the Pacers ( much less any Team ) are going to play in Arco Arena.

PacersHomer

04-15-2011, 04:34 PM

It's a tragedy when a team has to move. I feel for Seattle and Sacramento fans.

PacersHomer

04-15-2011, 04:34 PM

A Pacers to Sacramento sounds like deja vu...

ilive4sports

04-15-2011, 04:39 PM

I will say the same thing that Grant Napier said when the question about another Team coming to Sacramento.

There is no way that the Pacers ( much less any Team ) are going to play in Arco Arena. If the Kings couldn't get Sacramento to pony up to build a new Arena...what makes you think that the Pacers could do the same?

I believe a new arena will be built rather soon. The city is looking to build one now, whether the Kings stay or not.

KingGeorge

04-15-2011, 08:43 PM

I can't even imagine what Kings fans are going through right now.

I know that the Pacers and Colts have gotten me through so much over the years, and it is hard to even think about losing one of them.

Even if I am having a horrible day, the Pacer games always give me something to look forward too. For those 2.5-3 hours a game, whether you are at home or at the Fieldhouse, we all feel like we are apart of the team.

The Kings fans are awesome, and I really hope something gets resolved so they keep their team. They don't deserve this.

idioteque

04-15-2011, 09:52 PM

I don't see why you would move a team from Indy to Sacramento. Seems like a lateral move for all parties involved. Both markets are only big enough to support a team when it is actually good. Some call this being a "fair weathered fan" but the truth is because a city like Indy or Sacramento has less people there are simply less casual fans willing to spend money when the team is bad as say, New York. Smaller pool to choose from.

If Seattle voters ever accede to a taxpayer arena, they'll get a team, but it is likely to be New Orleans unless the Pacers get in a situation where they have no owner.

Call me crazy, but someday when a new Concord jet is invented that can get you from the Midwest to Europe in 4 hours, there won't be small market teams anymore. They'll all be in the big European markets. There will be no Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, or Detroit Pistons, all the Midwest fans will root for Chicago teams.

grace

04-15-2011, 10:06 PM

It's rediculous to think LA can support 3 teams. No one would be going to the Clipper games if it weren't for Blake Griffen.

I can't stand the Maloofs. It would be great if someone would buy the team from them.

ToasterBusVIP

04-15-2011, 10:18 PM

God. Not only did Kobe hit that shot, but watching the clip right now, I hear the tons of Lakers fans in attendance cheering for the shot, too. What a sickening way to go out.

It'd be like having Conseco packed with Bulls fans during the last game ever, with Rose or whomever finishing us off late and the Pacers moving to Chicago the next year.

I'm going to have to go drop in over at KingsFans.com and offer my well wishes. This sucks.

FTFY. If that happened I don't think I'd ever watch the NBA again.

Naptown_Seth

04-15-2011, 10:29 PM

Yes.

It's too bad for the local fans but I'm not sure Sacramento is that strong an NBA city to begin with so it was just a matter of time before the team left.
Sactown fanbase CRUSHES the Atlanta fanbase.

Reusillo was talking on a recent podcast how the Hawks don't play home games, they get packed houses only for high profile visitors, basically drawing much like the Pacers but without the losing years to blame it on.

Why not move the Hawks first, and once Lebron leaves go ahead and move the Heat too since no one goes unless they are ensured of a major title shot.

Maybe when the NFL finally expands or relocates a team they can put it in Cali...just a few hours north of LA instead. ;)

PacersHomer

04-15-2011, 10:37 PM

I find this to be more irritating than the Supersonics move because of where they are moving. 3 TEAMS IN LOS ANGELES! That's insane. At least Seattle moved to a city that can support a team very well. If the Kings were moving to Kansas City, Seattle, or Vancouver it would be much closer to acceptable. Not to a way too crowded market.

King Tuts Tomb

04-15-2011, 10:40 PM

Sactown fanbase CRUSHES the Atlanta fanbase.

Reusillo was talking on a recent podcast how the Hawks don't play home games, they get packed houses only for high profile visitors, basically drawing much like the Pacers but without the losing years to blame it on.

Why not move the Hawks first, and once Lebron leaves go ahead and move the Heat too since no one goes unless they are ensured of a major title shot.

Maybe when the NFL finally expands or relocates a team they can put it in Cali...just a few hours north of LA instead. ;)

I wasn't really talking about fan base, more city infrastructure, demographics and the quality of the market. Fan bases are a lot easier to generate than those other things.

The NBA would have a team in Atlanta if there were 500 fans a game just to have market access to that area.

IndyHoosier

04-15-2011, 10:42 PM

You shut your whore mouth!

ditto

Sandman21

04-15-2011, 10:53 PM

How the hell do you know that living in N. Carolina? Damn, I am an Indianapolis/Marion County tax payer and I don't know this.

You know that the CIB deal is only for 3 years, right?
You're aware that the Pacers are still a joke to many of the LOCALS here in town.
You are aware that new ownership of the team will be in play sometime during this decade?

You can't just rubber stamp new ownership just being the saints that the Simons have been the last 2 and a half decades for Indy.

With a building as nice as the Fieldhouse and still being better then 15 to 20 wins/season over this period..... We are currently last in attendance. Something in Indy isn't quite right and I hope it is just time and winning that fixes this, but to just poo-poo & turn a blind eye to what IS A POSSIBILITY seems a little disingenuous considering that you don't even live here.

Isn't there a MASSIVE poison pill clause that the team would have to pay the city in order to move?

BobbyMac

04-15-2011, 11:20 PM

Unless the local media and the fans quit bashing the Pacers at every opportunity for not winning a championship this could be the Pacers. If we want an NBA team we need to support it. This includes the Star.

Kstat

04-16-2011, 12:10 AM

It's the local media's responsibility to put a positive spin on everything?

Also, I'm fairly certainthe Pacers have three championships...

KingGeorge

04-16-2011, 12:23 AM

Also, I'm fairly certainthe Pacers have three championships...

No NBA championships though.

IndyHoosier

04-16-2011, 12:26 AM

It's the local media's responsibility to put a positive spin on everything?

Also, I'm fairly certainthe Pacers have three championships...

ABA is a BIT different than NBA in the current conversation but I do agree with the fact that the media says whatever sells papers, magazines, ads on the net, etc. It is not their responsibility or desire to put a positive spin on this or anything for that matter.

xIndyFan

04-16-2011, 12:45 AM

there were a lot of small crowds in the early 90's also. i remember watching new jersey on a random tuesday with 2000 of my closest friends. by the end of the 1st quarter everyone had moved to the lower stands at MSA.

IndyHoosier

04-16-2011, 12:57 AM

there were a lot of small crowds in the early 90's also. i remember watching new jersey on a random tuesday with 2000 of my closest friends. by the end of the 1st quarter everyone had moved to the lower stands at MSA.

I remember those days. There is definitely an interesting parallel between the early 90's Pacers and the current team. Hopefully, we are in for a similar exciting ride. I just hope Paul will become our Reggie because I see some slight similarities. I am pumped!!

Heisenberg

04-16-2011, 01:43 AM

The league's formed a "relocation committee." The head of it? Clay Bennett. Seriously. Sometimes, in the back of the mind, I want the Pacers to move so I can stop watching this sham of a league.

Unfortunately this is apart of sports. Teams move places all the time, if they didn't we would still be looking at the Baltimore Colts. I couldn't imagine losing the Pacers, but is it a possiblity...yes of course it is. I feel for the fans of Sacramento, they should have had at least one championship, if not for some spotty officiating. I certainly hope that it gets resolved without them becoming anything but the sacramento kings.

hoosierguy

04-16-2011, 03:31 PM

What team has ever moved when the city they played in had a top notch, modern arena?

NapTonius Monk

04-16-2011, 04:24 PM

You shut your whore mouth!:laugh:

Trophy

04-16-2011, 05:03 PM

Again, I'm grateful we play at the Fieldhouse and grateful we're in the playoffs which will help us as far getting the place filled in the long run.

Sucks that 2 NBA teams relocated in less than a 5 year span because of their arenas.

BillS

04-16-2011, 06:26 PM

Sactown fanbase CRUSHES the Atlanta fanbase.

INDIANA's fanbase crushes the Atlanta fanbase. Atlanta is a city that couldn't sell out for the NBA playoffs when they were NUMBER 1 IN THE LEAGUE and in the SECOND round, then when the team got worse and got a new arena anyway the attendance still went in the toilet, then as they got better it still hasn't really recovered.

Trophy

04-16-2011, 06:38 PM

INDIANA's fanbase crushes the Atlanta fanbase. Atlanta is a city that couldn't sell out for the NBA playoffs when they were NUMBER 1 IN THE LEAGUE and in the SECOND round, then when the team got worse and got a new arena anyway the attendance still went in the toilet, then as they got better it still hasn't really recovered.

Didn't something happen earlier this season with their ownership?

1984

04-16-2011, 09:12 PM

Is So Ca's market big enough for 3 teams?

Can you imagine, playing second fiddle to the Clippers?

Scot Pollard

04-19-2011, 06:38 PM

I'm first coming along this thread now.

I knew how emotional the atmosphere was and seeing the tears on those fans faces is terrible.

The sign that stood out to me most of all was "Take my life, but not my Kings." :cry:

ESPN had a 30 minute show about the Kings and its fans.

It's terrible that the poor fans had to see their team go because of Arco Arena being in such bad shape.

As said, I love Conseco Fieldhouse and I'm happy it's up to standards and most likely up to standards for MANY years to come. A state of the art arena fit for the Indiana Pacers and the city of Indianapolis along with Lucas Oil Stadium.

As far as our ownership, Mr. Simon will probably find someone no problem. If I was a b/millionaire, I'd love to own a team that plays in Indiana (the state of basketball) and to be able to attend every game in the Fieldhouse. By the time he's ready to sell, we'll probably have a winning team making the playoffs and being competitive.

Again, I'm so sorry for these poor fans of SAC.

I hate the Maloofs. Really I do. They care more about having their full ownership of that team than to keep it in Sacramento.

To be honest with you, I'm really pissed their going to the LA area.

Weren't they going to Las Vegas? That would be a better spot.

Kstat

04-19-2011, 06:53 PM

I'm first coming along with thread now.

I knew how emotional the atmosphere was and seeing the tears on those fans faces is terrible.

ESPN had a 30 minute show about the Kings and its fans.

It's terrible that the poor fans had to see their team go because of Arco Arena being in such bad shape.

As said, I love Conseco Fieldhouse and I'm happy it's up to standards and most likely up to standards for MANY years to come. A state of the art arena fit for the Indiana Pacers and the city of Indianapolis along with Lucas Oil Stadium.

As far as our ownership, Mr. Simon will probably find someone no problem. If I was a b/millionaire, I'd love to own a team that plays in Indiana (the state of basketball) and to be able to attend every game in the Fieldhouse. By the team he's ready to sell, we'll probably have a winning team making the playoffs and being competitive.

Again, I'm so sorry for these poor fans of SAC.

I hate the Maloofs. Really I do. They care more about having their full ownership of that team than to keep it in Sacramento.

To be honest with you, I'm really pissed their going to the LA area.

Weren't they going to Las Vegas? That would be a better spot.

This is really misinformed.

1. The NBA will never permit a team in Las Vegas. The Maloofs themselves can't even take action on the NBA in any of their casinos.

2. The Maloofs aren't at fault here. If you had watched the OTL special on the Kings, you'd know their hand is being forced. It isn't just extra NBA revenue that they are losing out on at ARCO, major entertainment and concert attractions are also telling Sacramento thanks but no thanks because the Arena is substandard.

3. The LA market is offering the Maloofs what Sacramento hasn't: A new arena and a loan of $50 million.

4. If Sacramento really wants to keep the Kings, they'll finally put together a package that will allow them to build a new arena. That's what this is about. Not a bigger market, not a better TV deal, just a new arena that will allow the Maloofs to stop hemorrhaging cash. I guarentee you they don't want to move the team to Anaheim. They are out of options.

Scot Pollard

04-19-2011, 07:11 PM

This is really misinformed.

1. The NBA will never permit a team in Las Vegas. The Maloofs themselves can't even take action on the NBA in any of their casinos.

2. The Maloofs aren't at fault here. If you had watched the OTL special on the Kings, you'd know their hand is being forced. It isn't just extra NBA revenue that they are losing out on at ARCO, major entertainment and concert attractions are also telling Sacramento thanks but no thanks because the Arena is substandard.

3. The LA market is offering the Maloofs what Sacramento hasn't: A new arena and a loan of $50 million.

4. If Sacramento really wants to keep the Kings, they'll finally put together a package that will allow them to build a new arena. That's what this is about. Not a bigger market, not a better TV deal, just a new arena that will allow the Maloofs to stop hemorrhaging cash. I guarentee you they don't want to move the team to Anaheim. They are out of options.

Thank you for your take and I did watch the OTL on ESPN.

That guy who still roots for a team that doesn't exist anymore needs to let it go already.

It really made me laugh when he said he wants the Sonics back, but is rooting for the Thunder to lose.

At this point, they are 2 different franchises. The Thunder have their own life in OKC now and have their own fanbase so they don't have anything to do with Seattle anymore.

Maybe Seattle will get the Hornets someday. Maybe they won't. For now. Everything is going to stay as is more than likely.

Another question for a Pistons fan...how the ownership transition going? Is Tom Gores the official owner now?

shags

04-19-2011, 07:15 PM

This is really misinformed.

1. The NBA will never permit a team in Las Vegas. The Maloofs themselves can't even take action on the NBA in any of their casinos.

2. The Maloofs aren't at fault here. If you had watched the OTL special on the Kings, you'd know their hand is being forced. It isn't just extra NBA revenue that they are losing out on at ARCO, major entertainment and concert attractions are also telling Sacramento thanks but no thanks because the Arena is substandard.

3. The LA market is offering the Maloofs what Sacramento hasn't: A new arena and a loan of $50 million.

4. If Sacramento really wants to keep the Kings, they'll finally put together a package that will allow them to build a new arena. That's what this is about. Not a bigger market, not a better TV deal, just a new arena that will allow the Maloofs to stop hemorrhaging cash. I guarentee you they don't want to move the team to Anaheim. They are out of options.

All true, especially #4. Unfortunately, the Kings fans are like the kids caught in the middle of an ugly divorce.

Kstat

04-19-2011, 07:59 PM

That guy who still roots for a team that doesn't exist anymore needs to let it go already.

Tell that to browns fans.

Another question for a Pistons fan...how the ownership transition going? Is Tom Gores the official owner now?

Gores is already attending NBA owners' meetings. He was in the owner's box for the last home game. The sale should be official and the board of governors will vote on it may 30. By all accounts, there are no more snags that could delay the sale any further.

Most likely, as soon as may 30 rolls around, the shackles will come off Dumars, Kuster will be axed and he'll get down to business.

PacersHomer

04-19-2011, 08:19 PM

Kansas City would be a much better place to move to....

Scot Pollard

04-19-2011, 08:39 PM

Kansas City would be a much better place to move to....

The Sprint Center is such an ugly building.

http://imherehesthere.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/sprint-center.png

Kansas City is too small of a market to have 3 pro teams.

They can barely support the Kansas City Royals.

ilive4sports

04-22-2011, 03:14 AM

Today the NBA came to Sacramento so there was a city wide effort to show Kings pride by painting the city in purple. A lot of people wore purple and a lot of businesses had signs up showing their support for the Kings. Pretty much the NBA is saying, show us a plan to get a new arena and the chances of the Kings staying are good. Mayor Kevin Johnson is trying.

And things aren't going so easily for Anaheim either. Citizens are now forcing a vote on the $75 million dollars that the city was going to give the Kings if they move their. 10,000 people signed a petition forcing the vote so its possible Anaheim won't even be able to give the Kings the money. If that happens there is no way they move.

KingGeorge

04-22-2011, 05:44 AM

That guy who still roots for a team that doesn't exist anymore needs to let it go already.

It really made me laugh when he said he wants the Sonics back, but is rooting for the Thunder to lose.

At this point, they are 2 different franchises. The Thunder have their own life in OKC now and have their own fanbase so they don't have anything to do with Seattle anymore.

Maybe Seattle will get the Hornets someday. Maybe they won't. For now. Everything is going to stay as is more than likely.

Earlier today I probably would have agreed with you.

However, I was bored tonight and I had watched that OTL as well so I decided to watch Sonicsgate.

I thought it was great, and they are still fighting for their team that was robbed from them.

If Clay Bennet screwed us over like that, I would hate the Thunder as well.

I love what this group has done, and they are true fans to the Sonics.

They even admit that they could possibly take Indiana in the future, but they wouldn't want to see the same thing happen to another franchise.

I honestly don't know what I would do without the Pacers. I know I would do everything in my power to not let it happen, as would most Pacer fans.

If you have an extra 2 hours, I think every NBA fan should watch this. I'm posting the videos on here if you are interested.

The Pacers will probably be sold to someone soon by Mr. Simon, It will be a difficult day for him and all fans everywhere. Hopefully not as long as the transition took between Davidson and Gores.

I think it'll be Bird and the 2 sides will do it pretty quietly without it being huge news.

As unfortunate for the former Seattle SuperSonics and now the former Sacramento Kings, the whole franchise had to move because of its arena being so old.

Again, I'm happy we don't have to go down that path since our arena is like a top state of the art arena in probably the world.

It looks like the LA Dodgers, OF ALL TEAMS are dealing with stadium issues and ownership problems. Hopefully they don't move. They are like the ideal baseball team.

PacersHomer

04-22-2011, 02:30 PM

I want the Dodgers to move back to Brooklyn.

PacersHomer

04-22-2011, 02:33 PM

The Sprint Center is such an ugly building.

http://imherehesthere.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/sprint-center.png

Kansas City is too small of a market to have 3 pro teams.

They can barely support the Kansas City Royals.

It's the same size as Cleveland which really hasn't had problems supporting teams until recently with the recession killing the city and the Indians being terrible. Kansas City would be a good place for an NBA franchise. The Midwest needs more NBA teams.

idioteque

04-22-2011, 05:37 PM

Earlier today I probably would have agreed with you.

However, I was bored tonight and I had watched that OTL as well so I decided to watch Sonicsgate.

I thought it was great, and they are still fighting for their team that was robbed from them.

If Clay Bennet screwed us over like that, I would hate the Thunder as well.

I love what this group has done, and they are true fans to the Sonics.

They even admit that they could possibly take Indiana in the future, but they wouldn't want to see the same thing happen to another franchise.

I honestly don't know what I would do without the Pacers. I know I would do everything in my power to not let it happen, as would most Pacer fans.

If you have an extra 2 hours, I think every NBA fan should watch this. I'm posting the videos on here if you are interested.

per twitter
RT @Mike_Bresnahan: LA Times columnist Mark Heisler reports that the Kings will remain in Sacramento next season. Sorry, Anaheim.

I haven't seen this confirmed yet anywhere else but man I hope this is true.

Sacto fans did not deserve to lose their team.

ilive4sports

04-22-2011, 07:28 PM

Not sure if its official yet, but it seems like they will be staying for another year at least. The relocation committee is leaning toward recommending they stay in Sacramento. Thats what I heard on the news

Sollozzo

04-22-2011, 08:21 PM

Seattle will get the Sonics back eventually. What makes it sting so bad is the fact that the Thunder have maybe the best young core in the league. Watching Durant/Westbrook for the next 15 years and probably making a Finals or two in the process is just going to be horrible for Seattle fans. Had the Thunder not become so good the past couple of years then it probably wouldn't hurt so bad given that Seattle will probably get a team again someday.

Sandman21

04-22-2011, 08:24 PM

I think it'll be Bird and the 2 sides will do it pretty quietly without it being huge news.

Definitely. A ownership group involving Larry Bird will buy the Pacers before they move from Indianapolis.

rock747

04-29-2011, 07:56 PM

Earlier today I probably would have agreed with you.

However, I was bored tonight and I had watched that OTL as well so I decided to watch Sonicsgate.

I thought it was great, and they are still fighting for their team that was robbed from them.

If Clay Bennet screwed us over like that, I would hate the Thunder as well.

I love what this group has done, and they are true fans to the Sonics.

They even admit that they could possibly take Indiana in the future, but they wouldn't want to see the same thing happen to another franchise.

I honestly don't know what I would do without the Pacers. I know I would do everything in my power to not let it happen, as would most Pacer fans.

If you have an extra 2 hours, I think every NBA fan should watch this. I'm posting the videos on here if you are interested.

I just had the opportunity to watch this. Anyone who watches this and can still hold David Stern and the NBA big wigs in good regards is insane. David Stern doesn't care about the integrity of basketball or the History of basketball. He cares about money.

Peck

04-29-2011, 09:17 PM

I just had the opportunity to watch this. Anyone who watches this and can still hold David Stern and the NBA big wigs in good regards is insane. David Stern doesn't care about the integrity of basketball or the History of basketball. He cares about money.

Not that I am trying to be disagreeable here, but isn't that really his job? Sure he should uphold the standard of the game but at the end of the day the NBA is a business & his primary and secondary job is to make sure that it is solvent and even profitable.

Now one does not have to be exclusive of the other, but at the end of the day his main job is to make sure the NBA does not go in the red.

DemonHunter1105

05-02-2011, 12:22 PM

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/05/02/kings-staying.ap/index.html

Maloof: Kings staying in Sacramento at least one more season

Posted May 2 2011 12:09PM

Kings co-owner Joe Maloof says the NBA club will remain in Sacramento for at least one more season to give Mayor Kevin Johnson a chance to follow through on his promise for a new arena.

Maloof says, however, that if the city doesn't follow through the Kings will be relocated to another city.

Maloof told The Associated Press it was "the fair thing to do,'' and said he was moved by the fans' show of support.

The team had been considering a move to Anaheim, Calif.

The Orange County Register first reported that the Kings were staying in Sacramento.

I guess it is officially official.

Kstat

05-02-2011, 12:52 PM

David Stern doesn't care about the integrity of basketball or the History of basketball. He cares about money.

He does his job...for MONEY? What a scumbag!:laugh:

Peck

05-02-2011, 12:54 PM

Rock747 I wish you didn't erase that message as I actually really agree with you.